<p>The <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/sports/uefa-champions-league-2025-26/183/1">UEFA Champions League</a> 2025/26 signifies the start of something completely new for Europe&rsquo;s top club competition. The move to a 36-team league phase structure replaces the traditional groups and allows for more high-stakes matches from the start. This ultimately boosts competitiveness and worldwide engagement - especially for regions like Pakistan, where you can watch the live stream on tapmad.</p>

<h2><strong>Understanding the 36-team Structure &amp; League Phase Format</strong></h2>

<p>The overall tournament structure is similar to a Swiss league format. Thirty-six clubs will compete in the league phase format. These 36 teams will be assigned to one of the four pots of nine away teams according to UEFA club coefficients. Each club will have a total of eight matches with different opponents. The groups will pull two opponents from each pot and one home and one away match. The league phase format preserves the restriction of having teams who play each other as home and away but more varied competition in each stage.</p>

<p>The new league phase will replace the group stage, however, it will increase the competitive nature and raise the stakes more frequently from the start.</p>

<h2><strong>Champions League Timeline &amp; Key Matchdays</strong></h2>

<ul>
	<li><strong>League Phase</strong>: Kicks off mid-September and wraps by late January. Key matchdays:<br />
	&nbsp;
	<ul>
		<li>Matchday 1: 16&ndash;18 September 2025<br />
		&nbsp;</li>
		<li>Matchday 8 (final of league phase): 28 January 2026</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	<h2><strong>Knockout Stage Format</strong>:</h2>

	<ul>
		<li>Top 8 finishers advance directly to Round of 16<br />
		&nbsp;</li>
		<li>Teams placed 9&ndash;24 enter two-legged <strong>knockout play-offs</strong> to qualify for Round of 16<br />
		&nbsp;</li>
		<li>Teams placed 25&ndash;36 are eliminated</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	<h2><strong>Knockout Phase Timeline</strong>:</h2>

	<ul>
		<li>Play-offs: February (17&ndash;25)<br />
		&nbsp;</li>
		<li>Round of 16: March (10&ndash;18)<br />
		&nbsp;</li>
		<li>Quarter-finals: April (7&ndash;15)<br />
		&nbsp;</li>
		<li>Semi-finals: late April to early May<br />
		&nbsp;</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li><strong>Final</strong>: Set for <strong>30 May 2026</strong>, hosted at the <strong>Pusk&aacute;s Ar&eacute;na in Budapest</strong>, marking the <strong>first-ever Champions League final in Hungary</strong>.</li>
</ul>

<h2><strong>What the New Format Means for Teams &amp; Fans</strong></h2>

<ul>
	<li><strong>More blockbuster fixtures</strong> early in the competition&mdash;creating compelling narratives and unpredictability.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Greater opportunities for upsets</strong>&mdash;mid-tier clubs will likely face top teams at home early on.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Enhanced viewing experience</strong>&mdash;especially in markets like Pakistan, where fans can rely on <strong>tapmad</strong> to deliver consistent coverage throughout this reimagined format.</li>
</ul>

<h2><strong>Draw &amp; Matchday Calendar at a Glance</strong></h2>

<table cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse:collapse; width:602px">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000; border-left:1px solid #000000; border-right:1px solid #000000; border-top:1px solid #000000; vertical-align:top; width:164px">
			<p><strong>Stage</strong></p>
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000; border-left:1px solid #000000; border-right:1px solid #000000; border-top:1px solid #000000; vertical-align:top; width:438px">
			<p><strong>Date(s)</strong></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000; border-left:1px solid #000000; border-right:1px solid #000000; border-top:1px solid #000000; vertical-align:top; width:164px">
			<p>Qualifying Rounds</p>
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000; border-left:1px solid #000000; border-right:1px solid #000000; border-top:1px solid #000000; vertical-align:top; width:438px">
			<p>June to July 2025 (multiple stages)</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000; border-left:1px solid #000000; border-right:1px solid #000000; border-top:1px solid #000000; vertical-align:top; width:164px">
			<p>Play-offs</p>
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000; border-left:1px solid #000000; border-right:1px solid #000000; border-top:1px solid #000000; vertical-align:top; width:438px">
			<p>Early August 2025</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000; border-left:1px solid #000000; border-right:1px solid #000000; border-top:1px solid #000000; vertical-align:top; width:164px">
			<p>League Phase Draw</p>
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000; border-left:1px solid #000000; border-right:1px solid #000000; border-top:1px solid #000000; vertical-align:top; width:438px">
			<p>28 August 2025, Monaco</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000; border-left:1px solid #000000; border-right:1px solid #000000; border-top:1px solid #000000; vertical-align:top; width:164px">
			<p>League Phase</p>
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000; border-left:1px solid #000000; border-right:1px solid #000000; border-top:1px solid #000000; vertical-align:top; width:438px">
			<p>16 September 2025 &ndash; 28 January 2026</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000; border-left:1px solid #000000; border-right:1px solid #000000; border-top:1px solid #000000; vertical-align:top; width:164px">
			<p>Knockout Play-offs</p>
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000; border-left:1px solid #000000; border-right:1px solid #000000; border-top:1px solid #000000; vertical-align:top; width:438px">
			<p>February 2026</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000; border-left:1px solid #000000; border-right:1px solid #000000; border-top:1px solid #000000; vertical-align:top; width:164px">
			<p>Round of 16</p>
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000; border-left:1px solid #000000; border-right:1px solid #000000; border-top:1px solid #000000; vertical-align:top; width:438px">
			<p>March 2026</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000; border-left:1px solid #000000; border-right:1px solid #000000; border-top:1px solid #000000; vertical-align:top; width:164px">
			<p>Quarter-finals</p>
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000; border-left:1px solid #000000; border-right:1px solid #000000; border-top:1px solid #000000; vertical-align:top; width:438px">
			<p>April 2026</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000; border-left:1px solid #000000; border-right:1px solid #000000; border-top:1px solid #000000; vertical-align:top; width:164px">
			<p>Semi-finals</p>
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000; border-left:1px solid #000000; border-right:1px solid #000000; border-top:1px solid #000000; vertical-align:top; width:438px">
			<p>Late April &ndash; early May 2026</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000; border-left:1px solid #000000; border-right:1px solid #000000; border-top:1px solid #000000; vertical-align:top; width:164px">
			<p>Final (Budapest)</p>
			</td>
			<td style="border-bottom:1px solid #000000; border-left:1px solid #000000; border-right:1px solid #000000; border-top:1px solid #000000; vertical-align:top; width:438px">
			<p>30 May 2026</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<h2><strong>The Budapest Final &amp; What&rsquo;s at Stake</strong></h2>

<p>The grand final will be held on the <strong>30th of May 2026, </strong>at a modern stadium in Budapest, called <strong>Pusk&aacute;s Ar&eacute;na</strong>. With a capacity exceeding 67,000, it adds a significant milestone in tournament history of being the first champions league in Hungary..</p>

<p>The title-winning club will not only secure a place in next season&rsquo;s Champions League but also feature in the <strong>2026 UEFA Super Cup</strong> and earn spots in the <strong>2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup</strong> and the <strong>2029 FIFA Club World Cup</strong>.</p>

<h2><strong>Broadcast &amp; Streaming Access&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The new format means more games, and high-profile fixtures, to consume throughout the calendar year. <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/">tapmad will ensure that fans in Pakistan get full access</a> to every fixture, from the draw for the group phase to the final whistle. Consider the tapmad platform your window into Europe&rsquo;s biggest face-off, featuring coverage created with eligibility and context to your region.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Conclusion&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The UEFA Champions League 2025/26 marks the dawn of a new era - that is designed to deliver improved drama, different matchups, and international opportunities for teams and fans. The tournament will feature a 36-team league model, due dates that are staggered, and the final is in Budapest! There will undoubtedly be excitement everywhere you turn. Whether you are tracking the draw, celebrating goals during matchdays, or making your way through the knockout stage drama, tapmad becomes your destination to watch UEFA&rsquo;s best live, in Pakistan.</p>

The UEFA Champions League 2025/26 signifies the start of something completely new for Europe’s top club competition.

UEFA Champions League 2025/26: Format, Key Dates & Final Preview

<p>The UEFA Champions League 2025/26 will feature a new brave design and provide more games, more big matches, and more competition time. With a new 36-team league phase &#39;group&#39; stage format replacing the previous group stage, the road to the final in Budapest will never have been this before. For fans who want to understand the new format, here is a full breakdown of the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/sports/uefa-champions-league-2025-26/183/1">Champions League</a> 2025/26 format, from qualifying rounds to knockout play-offs, and where you can follow all of the action live on tapmad in Pakistan.</p>

<h2>Qualifying Rounds &ndash; Summer Begins</h2>

<p>The start of the route for Europe&#39;s biggest prize will begin with the qualifying rounds taking place in June and July 2025. Following the UCL qualifying paths, clubs from smaller associations must come through several stages of qualifying (for the group stage, or league phase). The qualifying rounds will be separated into 3 qualifying rounds and play-offs, as follows:</p>

<p>1st and 2nd qualifying rounds: first entrants being normal league champion clubs whose leagues are usually smaller.</p>

<p>3rd qualifying round and play-offs: entrants being higher rank clubs qualifying as non-champions from better average leagues.</p>

<p>When August starts, the winners of all qualifying paths will take their place in the new league phase, while those who fail to progress will drop to the Europa League. The various entry avenues will give representation from all parts of Europe and will continue a sense of inclusivity for the betterment of the competition.</p>

<h2>League-Phase Schedule &ndash; 36 Teams, Swiss-Style Format</h2>

<p>Replacing the traditional group stage, UEFA has introduced a <strong>Swiss-style league phase</strong>:</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>36 teams</strong> instead of 32.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Each club plays <strong>eight matches</strong> against eight different opponents (two drawn from each pot of nine).<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Four home, four away&mdash;ensuring variety and balance.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>No repeated fixtures, unlike the old group system.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<p>This stage begins on <strong>16 September 2025</strong> and runs until <strong>28 January 2026</strong>, with key dates stretched across eight matchdays&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Knockout Play-Offs &ndash; The New Entry Point</h2>

<p>One of the greatest changes in the format of the Champions League 2025/26 is the introduction of knockout play-offs:</p>

<p>The Top 8 Clubs after the league phase will proceed directly to the Round of 16.</p>

<p>Teams placed 9&ndash;24 will enter into a two-legged knockout play-off round in February 2026.</p>

<p>Teams that win that round will progress to the Round of 16, and teams that lose will be eliminated completely.</p>

<p>Teams placed 25&ndash;36 that make it to the play-off round would have their European campaign end (and there is no Europa League to fall back on).</p>

<p>This also puts more at stake in the mid-table section and makes matches between 15th and 20th meaningful again. Plus, this will create more knockout-style fixtures throughout the season.</p>

<h2>Knockout Rounds &ndash; Familiar Format Resumes</h2>

<p>After the play-offs, the traditional knockout path continues:</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Round of 16</strong>: March 2026<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Quarter-finals</strong>: April 2026<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Semi-finals</strong>: Late April &ndash; early May 2026<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<p>Each stage remains two-legged, home and away, with the away goals rule abolished since 2021. Drama often peaks here, with Europe&rsquo;s elite battling in back-to-back encounters.</p>

<h2>The Budapest Final &ndash; 30 May 2026</h2>

<p>The journey concludes at the <strong>Pusk&aacute;s Ar&eacute;na in Budapest</strong>, Hungary, on <strong>30 May 2026</strong>. Hosting its first-ever Champions League final, the 67,000-capacity venue adds history to the competition&rsquo;s expanding global reach.</p>

<p>The winners will not only claim Europe&rsquo;s crown but also secure spots in the <strong>2026 UEFA Super Cup</strong>, the <strong>2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup</strong>, and the <strong>2029 FIFA Club World Cup</strong>&mdash;a reminder of the tournament&rsquo;s global significance.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Why Fans Should Follow the New Format</h2>

<p>The restructured path brings fresh excitement:</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Bigger clashes earlier</strong>: With seeded pots mixing giants and mid-tier clubs, heavyweight duels could occur in September.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>More knockout matches</strong>: The addition of play-offs means more high-pressure nights.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>No safety nets</strong>: Unlike the past, clubs outside the top 24 are eliminated outright, intensifying competition.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<p>For viewers, this means more drama, unpredictability, and high-quality football across the calendar year.</p>

<h2>Broadcast &amp; Streaming Access</h2>

<p>Fans across the world can follow the <strong>Champions League 2025/26 format</strong> through various broadcasters:</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Europe</strong>: TNT Sports (UK), DAZN, Canal+<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>USA</strong>: CBS/Paramount+<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>MENA</strong>: beIN SPORTS<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Canada</strong>: DAZN<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Pakistan</strong>: The entire competition&mdash;including qualifying rounds, league phase, knockout play-offs, and the Budapest final&mdash;will be <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/">streamed live on <strong>tapmad</strong>.</a></li>
</ul>

<h2>Conclusion</h2>

<p>The road to the Champions League final, 2025/26 is longer, harder and more exciting as we embark on the qualifying rounds through summer, entering the league-phase schedule and the ultimate play-off knockout stage for the first time. With each destination comes more drama, with our destination being Budapest, and we will arrive on 30 May 2026! But for the fans in Pakistan, the journey begins now! All of it is available live on tapmad!</p>

With a new 36-team league phase 'group' stage format replacing the previous group stage, the road to the final in Budapest will never have been this before.

Road to the Final: Timeline & Format Explained

<p>UEFA Champions League 2025/26 marks a historic occurrence with the introduction of the 36-team league-phase format. With the qualifying rounds completed and automatic spots now set, we are excited to show you all the clubs set to enter this new format. With a dynamic group of clubs, from juggernauts in Real Madrid and Manchester City to new entrants like Union Saint-Gilloise, this season&#39;s clubs are a perfect mix of tradition and opportunity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For fans in Pakistan, there is no better place to catch all <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/sports/uefa-champions-league-2025-26/183/1">Champions League</a> 2025/26 qualified teams in action than tapmad, your local trusted operator in UEFA&#39;s elite competition.</p>

<h2>Expanded Slots &ndash; Six English Clubs</h2>

<p>One of the more significant headlines of the season is the arrival of six English clubs. After UEFA&#39;s coefficient and the success of Premier League teams in Europe last season, England were granted five automatic league-phase spots. Hitting a record of six clubs in the English Premier League, we saw one more club successfully get through to the qualifying round, in addition to the five English clubs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With England having the most clubs competing in a tournament, we have Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Newcastle United on the tournament roster.</p>

<h2>Debutants &amp; Returning Clubs</h2>

<p><strong>Union Saint-Gilloise: </strong>This Belgian side will debut in the Champions League group phase after having impressed domestically.</p>

<p><strong>Hamburger SV (Germany): </strong>They capitalised on the wave of the Bundesliga promotion and made their way back to the European competition after several years.</p>

<p><strong>Celtic &amp; Rangers</strong>: They are reviving the Old Firm presence on the European stage.</p>

<h3><strong>Automatic Qualifiers</strong></h3>

<p>Some of the most familiar names of Europe automatically qualified and entered the <strong>league phase, </strong>thanks to their strong domestic campaigns:</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Spain</strong>: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atl&eacute;tico Madrid.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Germany</strong>: Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Italy</strong>: Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus, Napoli.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>France</strong>: Paris Saint-Germain, Monaco, Lille.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Portugal</strong>: Benfica, Porto, Sporting CP.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Pot Seedings for the League Phase</h2>

<p>The teams are split into four pots of nine clubs by UEFA coefficients. This process is in place to create balanced fixtures as well as have some variation of clubs across Europe. The teams that qualified for the&nbsp; UEFA Champions League 2025/26 are:&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>Pot 1 (Top Seeds):&nbsp; Some recent winners of the league are included, along with Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, PSG, Inter Milan, and Benfica.</li>
	<li>Pot 2: Arsenal, Barcelona, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Atl&eacute;tico Madrid, Porto.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Pot 3: Napoli, RB Leipzig, Chelsea, Manchester United, Monaco, Sporting CP.</li>
	<li>Pot 4 (Lower Seeds): A few other qualifiers along with Union Saint-Gilloise, Celtic, Rangers, Newcastle United, Lille</li>
</ul>

<p>Every club plays eight matches against clubs with different pots to include as varied matches as possible, but also includes a certain number of matches with higher stakes.</p>

<h2>Impact of Seedings</h2>

<p>The pot system ensures more clashes between Europe&rsquo;s elite early in the season. For example:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Fans could see Bayern Munich face Barcelona in September.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Or a Pot 4 underdog like Union Saint-Gilloise hosts Manchester City, a once-in-a-lifetime fixture.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Why This Season Stands Out</h2>

<ul>
	<li><strong>More Clubs</strong>: 36 instead of 32.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>More Matches</strong>: Eight league-phase fixtures per team.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>More Drama</strong>: Underdogs facing heavyweights earlier in the competition.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>No Safety Net</strong>: Teams finishing outside the top 24 are eliminated immediately.</li>
</ul>

<p>This structural change reshapes the competition, making each match vital for progression.</p>

<h2>Broadcast &amp; Streaming Guide</h2>

<p>Coverage of the <strong>Champions League 2025/26 qualified teams</strong> is global:</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Europe</strong>: TNT Sports (UK), Canal+, DAZN.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>USA</strong>: CBS &amp; Paramount+.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>MENA</strong>: beIN SPORTS.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Canada</strong>: DAZN.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Pakistan</strong>: <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/"><strong>tapmad</strong></a> ensures fans catch every league-phase clash, from Union Saint-Gilloise&rsquo;s debut to Real Madrid&rsquo;s latest campaign.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Conclusion</h2>

<p>The Champions League 2025/26 qualified teams showcase a history of tradition combined with evolution: six English teams are leading this charge, teams like Union Saint-Gilloise are getting their first introduction on the big stage, and the heavyweights of Europe are anchoring the pots. With the new 36-team league phase format, every match will mean something as never before. For the fans in Pakistan, the only place to follow every seed, every match, and the road to Budapest is tapmad.</p>

UEFA Champions League 2025/26 marks a historic occurrence with the introduction of the 36-team league-phase format.

Teams Qualified & Seedings: Who’s in the League Phase

<p>For the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League season, we are in a new league-phase format of 36 teams, with more drama than ever to be had. The teams from around Europe will compete against each other week-in, week-out, but for fans around the world, knowing how to follow the action is essential.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Broadcasting rights can vary around the world, and which platform has the respective rights for the new format is not a secret, so before we get into it we will outline everything you need to know if you find yourself in Pakistan and want to watch the Champions League 2025/26 live.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The best way to watch <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/sports/uefa-champions-league-2025-26/183/1">Champions League</a> 2025/26 live in Pakistan will be on tapmad, and it will be an uninterrupted experience of the best tournament in Europe.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Pakistan &ndash; tapmad</h2>

<p>For all Champions League 2025/26 aficionados in Pakistan, the only safe way to watch Champions League 2025/26 live matches is on tapmad. As UEFA&#39;s official streaming partner in Pakistan, <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/tapmad-scores-big-the-ultimate-destination-for-sports-fans-with-multi-year-rights-and-diverse-content-lineup/256-2-0">tapmad guarantees fans access to all fixtures</a> where UEFA Champions League Matches are played, whether it&#39;s the league phase, knockout phase dramas or the Budapest final on 30 May 2026.</p>

<p>Unlike the international public service broadcasters or the commercial broadcasters, tapmad is a locally relevant and specific platform and does not add issues as a result of geo-blocking or restricted coverage, allowing high-quality streaming of every fixture so that fans in Pakistan can attend Europe&#39;s top club competition.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>United Kingdom &amp; Ireland &ndash; TNT Sports (previously BT Sport)&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

<p>For viewers in Britain and Ireland, the match is on TNT Sports, which is the new name for BT Sport. TNT Sports is broadcasting all of the Champions League matches, including the new league stage, with both TV and streaming available. For subscribers and licensed users on the Discovery+ app, the match will be streamed and will be available on either a TV or a mobile screen.&nbsp; This arrangement continues the long-standing ownership of Champions League rights previously held by BT/TNT in Britain, making them the home for English-language viewers in Britain.</p>

<h2>United States &ndash; CBS &amp; Paramount+, ESPN+ Coverage</h2>

<p>In the US, CBS Sports broadcasts Champions League matches with full streaming coverage on Paramount+. The website features live games, highlights, and studio shows exclusively for US audiences. Some of the matches are also broadcast on CBS&#39;s linear TV channels.</p>

<p>Although Paramount+ is the de facto home, ESPN+ still airs selected UEFA events in the US, and Champions League coverage is still the exclusive domain of CBS/Paramount+. Streaming-first is for US viewers a testament to the growing popularity of the tournament on new media.</p>

<h2>Canada &ndash; DAZN</h2>

<p>Champions League 2025/26 can be caught on DAZN for those in Canada. It enjoys exclusive media rights. DAZN offers access to all league stage matches to the final, along with highlights and on-demand replays. Its pay-per-view strategy means that Canadian fans never miss out on blockbuster games such as Real Madrid vs Manchester City or Bayern Munich vs Arsenal.</p>

<h2>Europe &ndash; Comprehensive Coverage</h2>

<p>Across mainland Europe, various broadcasters televised the tournament:</p>

<p>Canal+ and RMC Sport in France, or if you happen to be in Germany, then you can fall back on Sky Deutschland and DAZN. Movistar+ in Spain. Sky Italia and Amazon Prime Video (Italy).</p>

<h2>Middle East &amp; North Africa &ndash; beIN SPORTS</h2>

<p>To MENA viewers around the world, beIN SPORTS remains the sole broadcaster. The network provides comprehensive coverage in both English and Arabic commentary. beIN has MENA viewers watching everything from group matchdays through to the final in Budapest, all step by step with commentaries by experts and detailed analyses.</p>

<h2>Asia-Pacific &amp; Other Markets</h2>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Australia &amp; New Zealand</strong>: Stan Sport (Australia) and Spark Sport (NZ) traditionally carry UEFA rights.</li>
	<li><strong>Japan</strong>: Wowow and DAZN.</li>
	<li><strong>South Korea &amp; Southeast Asia</strong>: Regional deals, often with DAZN and local sports channels.</li>
</ul>

<p>For Asian fans outside Pakistan, UEFA&rsquo;s official <strong>UEFA.tv</strong> platform also provides highlights, magazine shows, and live coverage of selected youth and women&rsquo;s competitions. However, it does not stream full Champions League matches in most territories due to rights restrictions.</p>

<h2>Conclusion</h2>

<p>The Champions League 2025/26 is changing format, and expanding globally through various broadcasters alike.&nbsp; As well as TNT Sports in the UK, and Paramount+ in the US, DAZN in Canada, and beIN SPORTS in most of MENA, fans from around the world will have varying opportunities to follow the biggest clubs in Europe compete for glory.&nbsp; For the Pakistani fans, the answer is simple: tapmad is your exclusive platform for live streaming the UEFA Champions League every match, every moment, and the route to the Budapest final!</p>

Broadcasting rights can vary around the world, and which platform has the respective rights for the new format is not a secret

Where to Watch Champions League 2025/26: Live Broadcast Guide

<p>The UEFA Champions League format for 2025/26 is not simply a new league phase format (36 teams); it comes with rule changes that can change how the competition is played. These changes are slight but can be relevant and impactful for knockout matches, home advantage, and even how fixtures between the same-country clubs are generated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here is a summary of the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/sports/uefa-champions-league-2025-26/183/1">Champions League</a> rule changes 2025/26, and how they can impact this historic season. Fans in Pakistan can stream every moment live on tapmad, including these first competitions with the new rule format.</p>

<h2>No Extra Time in Knockouts</h2>

<p>One of the more interesting proposals currently being discussed for 2025/26 is the removal of extra time in knockout ties. UEFA has discussed moving directly to penalties when the two legs end up tied on aggregate and removing the extra 30 minutes. This proposal can lessen player fatigue on a congested schedule made more congested by the overall league phase, and allow penalties to become even more decisive, adding drama, while also throwing some clarity into fairness when a club has spent heavily on their squad.</p>

<h2>Home Advantage Tweaks</h2>

<p>UEFA has also reviewed how <strong>home advantage</strong> is distributed in the new format. Traditionally, seeded teams hosted the second leg in knockouts&mdash;a perceived advantage. Under the new 36-team structure, the process is evolving:</p>

<ul>
	<li>The <strong>top 8 teams</strong> from the league phase still advance directly to the Round of 16, but they will now have scheduling privileges to ensure balance.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Knockout play-off ties (between 9th and 24th) may see <strong>home advantage allocated by draw</strong>, rather than by seeding, making fixtures less predictable.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<p>This change aims to level the playing field and prevent richer clubs from enjoying structural benefits.</p>

<h2>Same-Country Fixture Rules</h2>

<p>Another area of focus is the handling of <strong>same-country matchups</strong>. In previous editions, UEFA limited domestic clashes in early rounds but allowed them freely from the quarter-finals onward. With the new expanded league phase, fresh guidelines have been applied:</p>

<ul>
	<li>During the league phase, clubs from the same association will not meet.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>From the knockout play-offs onward, same-country pairings are permitted, but UEFA may apply draw restrictions to avoid repetitive fixtures (for example, preventing a Round of 16 filled with English clubs).<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<p>This ensures the competition maintains variety, even as England sends six representatives into the 2025/26 season.</p>

<h2>Other Adjustments</h2>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Away Goals Rule</strong>: Still abolished (first removed in 2021), meaning tied aggregates are settled by penalties, or extra time if UEFA opts not to cut it.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Fixture Scheduling</strong>: More staggered matchdays across the league phase, including exclusive weeks for Champions League fixtures to maximise visibility.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Disciplinary Rules</strong>: Bookings reset after the knockout play-off stage to prevent suspensions in the later rounds.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<h2>What these Rule Changes Mean for Fans</h2>

<p>For supporters, the changes add unpredictability:</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Faster decisions</strong>: If extra time is scrapped, ties head to penalties straight away, intensifying knockout tension.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Fairer draws</strong>: Adjusted home advantage rules and restrictions on same-country matchups aim to balance competition.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>More variety</strong>: The league phase ensures fans see marquee clashes early, with rules preventing repetitive domestic ties.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<p>For viewers in Pakistan, following these dynamics live on <strong>tapmad</strong> ensures you&rsquo;re part of the action as the rules play out for the first time.</p>

<h2>Broadcast &amp; Streaming Guide</h2>

<p>UEFA&rsquo;s new rules apply across every broadcaster, but access remains region-specific:</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>UK &amp; Ireland</strong>: TNT Sports (Discovery+)<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>USA</strong>: CBS &amp; Paramount+ (with select ESPN+ coverage)<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Canada</strong>: DAZN<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>MENA</strong>: beIN SPORTS<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Pakistan</strong>:<a href="https://www.tapmad.com/"> <strong>tapmad</strong> provides complete coverage</a> of every match under the <strong>Champions League rule changes 2025/26</strong>.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Conclusion</h2>

<p>UEFA is trying to update its biggest tournament with the 2025/26 Champions League rule changes. That could be everything from a potential abolition of extra time in knockout formats to tinkering with the advantages of home ground support and same-country competitions - each situation has been examined to reduce fatigue, increase fairness and amplify uncertainty!</p>

<p>With the final scheduled in Budapest on 30 May 2026, whether you&#39;ll be reducing your salt intake or simply enjoying the drama, these changes will unfold throughout the season. And for fans sitting in Pakistan, all the exciting new developments can be viewed live on tapmad, your trusted home to enjoy all of Europe&#39;s biggest football nights!</p>

Here is a summary of the Champions League rule changes 2025/26, and how they can impact this historic season.

UEFA Champions League Rule Changes on the Table: Format Tweaks for 2025/26 Season

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UEFA Champions League 2025/26

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